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Crawford enjoying success against left-handers

Crawford enjoying success against left-handers

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Brandon Crawford

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SAN FRANCISCO -- Whether Brandon Crawford has really changed his swing against left-handers is apparently a matter of opinion. What's indisputable, however, is that his numbers are headed in the right direction.

Crawford was in the lineup Saturday night against Padres left-hander Andrew Werner. Manager Bruce Bochy had started Joaquin Arias at shortstop in 17 of the Giants' previous 20 games against lefties. But Crawford has, somewhat quietly, collected nine hits in his previous 22 at-bats against lefties, lifting his average to .264 against them. That's actually higher than his .243 average against right-handers.

"He's done a great job," Bochy said. "That's why he's in there tonight. It's a compliment to Craw how he's adjusted off left-handers. He's really made some adjustments, starting in Spring Training. He's worked hard. Now he's swinging the bat really well. He's made himself into a sold player from both sides."

Crawford, who has hit .304 overall in September, said there's nothing new, though.

"I haven't changed anything," Crawford said. "I never really had problems with lefties my whole life. The numbers weren't there early in the season and last year [.133 against lefties], but I tried to turn that around."

Overall, Crawford's average is up to .248. He is close to .250, a benchmark he hasn't crossed at the end of a game all season.

"I guess it's been a goal since the All-Star break to at least get to that .250 mark," he said, "and hopefully even higher than that."